James Willoughby

Amble will host a Royal visit for the second time in four years, it has been announced.

The Friendliest Port is to welcome Sophie, Countess of Wessex, on Wednesday, April 20, and she will tour four venues, as well as unveiling a plaque to commemorate the occasion. It comes after Prince Charles came to Amble in 2012.

Prince Charles during his visit to Amble in 2012. Picture by Jane Coltman

The Countess will be joined by the Duchess of Northumberland for the visit next month. During their time in Amble, they will visit the Coquet Shorebase Trust, the Culinary Institute of Northumbria on Queen Street, Amble Harbour Village and the newly refurbished Paddlers Park.

At the Shorebase Trust, Her Royal Highness will meet volunteers, trustees and some disabled users of the watersports facilities. At the Culinary Institute, she will hand out certificates to successful trainees.

The Royal party will then visit the Harbour Village, where the Countess and Duchess will meet business owners and volunteers from Amble RNLI. Her Royal Highness will unveil a plaque to commemorate the visit.

At Paddlers Park, the Countess and Duchess will meet Mayor Craig Weir, members of Amble Town Council, volunteers from Amble Community Team and local schoolchildren.

The Duchess of Northumberland will occupancy the Countess of Wessex in Amble. Picture by Jane Coltman

Julia Aston, from Amble Development Trust, said: “We are thrilled that the town is hosting a visit from Her Royal Highness the Countess of Wessex and Her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland. It would be wonderful if we could give the Countess as warm a welcome as we gave Prince Charles when he visited. This will be a great opportunity to show off some of the town we are so proud of."

Sophie is the wife of Prince Edward, the Queen’s youngest son. They married in 1999 and have two children. She is known for her interest in young people, apprenticeships and the disabled. A few years ago, The Countess visited Rothbury.